Higher Education in Denmark
Denmark uses the traditional three-tier degree system with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. There are four types of institutions of higher education: universities, university colleges, academies of professional higher education, and university-level institutions that provide instruction in the arts and architecture. All types of higher education institutions may offer master’s degrees; however, some offer only bachelor’s degrees.
Why Study in Denmark?
Higher education institutions in Denmark offer nearly 200 master’s degrees taught in English across a wide variety of academic disciplines, including humanities; natural, health, and social sciences; technology; business and economics; and information technology. In addition, students will find that their learning extends well beyond the classroom. Educators in Denmark believe in providing practical as well as classroom experience, and many lecture courses are augmented with real-life experiences through industry partners that teach students problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Universities in Denmark
There are more than 40 higher education institutes in Denmark, and many offer master’s degree programs. There are eight universities, with some schools offering a range of academic disciplines and others focusing on specialized areas such as information technology, technology, or business. Thirteen university-level institutions specialize in all levels of degrees in fine and performing arts, design, and architecture. Four of the eleven university colleges also offer master’s degrees, and one of the ten academies of professional higher education offers an MBA program.
Tuition and Program Duration
Tuition for all master’s degree programs in Denmark is free for students from EU/EEA nations. Students from other countries can expect to pay about €6,000 to €16,000 per year in tuition. However, many scholarships and grants are available from various public programs, foundations and institutions of higher education themselves. For example, the Erasmus Mundus program is available to all students for specific master’s degree programs and Fulbright scholarships are available for students from the US.
Nearly all master’s degree programs are two years in length. A few research-oriented technical programs require a thesis in addition to coursework.
Academic Year
The academic year in Denmark typically runs from early September until the end of June and consists of two semesters, although some schools use four quarters instead. The autumn semester usually finishes in December, with exams in January, and the spring semester finishes in May, with exams in June.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
All students are welcome to remain in Denmark for employment after they graduate and Danish companies are particularly interested in hiring candidates with good English skills. Nordic citizens (Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) do not require visas, residence permits, or work permits. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit but must obtain a registration certificate to work for more than three months. Students from other countries need a residence permit to work in Denmark; however, upon graduation, their existing residence permit can be extended for six months to allow them to find employment.
Visa Requirements
Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not require a visa, but will need a registration certificate (EU/EEA citizens) or registration card (Switzerland) if they will be studying in Denmark for more than three months.
Students from other countries should check the list of countries that require a visa in Denmark to see if their country is on it. Students who require a visa may apply for one at the Danish embassy, consulate or mission in their home country. In addition, students who will be studying in Denmark for more than three months must obtain a residence permit prior to arriving in Denmark. The residence permit should be applied for after the visa is obtained.
Health Insurance
All international students residing in Denmark have access to free health care with some exceptions, such as dental care. However, students must register with the Danish Civil Registration System to obtain this care. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students who do not register are entitled to free emergency services only and unregistered EU/EEA/Swiss students may use their European Health Insurance Card for coverage.
Tips
Denmark has a very sophisticated public transportation network that includes boats, ferries, buses, trains, taxis, metros and even bike rentals. Many students will find they need no automobile while studying in Denmark.